Clear aligners use a series of custom, removable trays that gradually shift the teeth. Patients switch to a new set every one to two weeks as the smile improves.
Nearly invisible
Comfortable to wear
Removable for eating and brushing
Fewer in-office visits
Ideal for mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and many bite issues
Great for adults who prefer a low profile and a flexible lifestyle
Must be worn 20 to 22 hours per day
Not always ideal for more complex bite problems
Trays can be misplaced if not stored properly
Tooth-colored attachments may still be needed for precision movement
Braces use brackets and wires that stay in place throughout treatment. Adjustments are made at scheduled visits to guide the teeth into ideal alignment.
Excellent for complex orthodontic cases
No compliance issues because the system is fixed
Works predictably for deep bites, open bites, crossbites, severe crowding, and teeth rotations
Available in metal brackets, ceramic tooth-colored brackets, or lingual brackets hidden behind the teeth
More visible than aligners
Some food restrictions
More detailed brushing and flossing required
Both clear aligners and braces typically require six to twenty four months depending on complexity.
Clear aligners may be quicker for simple cosmetic improvements
Braces may be more efficient for significant bite correction
No matter the system, your treatment time ultimately depends on biomechanics, your provider’s plan, and consistency with appointments or aligner wear.
Braces: 4000 to 6000
Insurance may contribute to orthodontic benefits for adults depending on the plan.
You prefer a discreet treatment
You want flexibility for travel and social settings
You need something easy to clean
You can commit to wearing trays consistently
Your case is more complex
You want a fixed treatment that requires no daily compliance
You want predictable results for bite correction
At 1Smile, adults receive more than straight teeth. Our practice is uniquely designed to offer:
We have in-house prosthodontists and orthodontists, allowing us to coordinate:
Clear aligner therapy or braces
Veneers
Full-mouth rehabilitation
Implants
Cosmetic bonding
Bite correction and TMJ-focused aesthetics
This means a patient doesn’t have to finish orthodontics before beginning cosmetic treatment. We can sequence both together when appropriate, reducing total treatment time and achieving a more precise, elevated result.
We use digital scans, simulations, and restorative-driven orthodontic planning for adults who want both functional and cosmetic upgrades.
Patients come to us because they can complete every phase of their smile transformation under one roof with specialists collaborating in real time.
We regularly welcome patients from:
Chicago
Wicker Park
Bucktown
Logan Square
Andersonville
Uptown
Hyde Park
South Loop
Northwest Indiana including Munster, Dyer, St. John, Crown Point, and Schererville
Whether you are fifteen minutes away or an hour away, patients find it worth the drive because A 1 Smile offers something rare: orthodontic treatment and comprehensive smile makeovers completed together, coordinated by top prosthodontists and orthodontists in one location.
If you are considering clear aligners or braces as an adult, schedule a consultation at 1Smile. We will evaluate your bite, simulate your projected results, and create a personalized plan that blends orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry for your ideal outcome. Schedule your appointment today!
As your trusted Schereville dentist, we offer a range of services and utilize advanced dental technology to provide our patients with quality, precise and comfortable care. Building relationships with our patients built on trust is the key to our success.